Thursday, March 23, 2006

Indian Gold Jewellery

Indian gold jewellery is a very important part of Indian life. It is not just an investment or a dowry but it is also an expression of joy and inspiration and, indeed can be an expression of solace as well.

Gold always holds a special place for the Indian bride and also to Indian Royalty. For a Indian woman, gold is her ‘Stridhan’ or security for the future.

The gold jewellery in various parts of Indian vary quite considerably.

In Northern India the trend is towards the chunkier forms of gold jewellery. Northern Indian women are known also for their tendency towards experimentation in their gold designs. The sacred ornament of marriage, the ‘mangalsutra’ is making a come back as well and more antique and earlier styles tend to be more favored now.

In the south of India jewellery trends differ markedly with gold jewellery being worn and almost flaunted even when the occasion does not demand it.

There is a trend in the South now towards antique and old favorites in style. The traditional Mullai Mottu Malai necklace, which has replicas of jasmine buds all around it, is a typical example of such trends.

In East Indian Jewellery, Bengal is still known for its craftsmanship of exquisite and intricate gold jewellery with the filigree and abstract designs taking the fore. Like filigree, the art of wirework in gold is over 500 years old and some truly beautiful designs can be found with the floral and leafy designs.

The traditional chains of coins flowing from the neck to the waist is still very popular and continues to be a symbol of status and wealth. The Bollywood movie, The Devdas’, is an excellent example of the ostentatious and resplendent jewellery of the region. Highly ornate with impeccable handcrafting techniques is the trademark of jewellery from this region

Western Indian jewellery is unique in that it is more diverse than the other areas and jewellery from areas within the west are quite unique to the region. Rajasthan jewellery, for example tends to be a mix of the traditional for the region with a Persian influence. It also includes the traditional bindi, worn in the center parting of the hair. Flower shape pins and hair combs are also a strong part of traditional jewellery in Rajasthan

The Gujarat is quite different again. The Gujarat is more known for the distinctive disc earrings that stretch the women’s ears almost to breaking point. The Gujarat jewellery is also known for being jewellery for almost every part of the body.

The Maharashtrian jewellery is more obvious when you see it. The traditional ring in the nose and many people will be familiar with this style of Indian gold jewellery in movies.

Contemporary jewellery of course is the new trend as the later Indian generations accept more western ideas and influences. Jewellery is not so much to represent a tradition here as to be a fashion accessory to complement skin types, clothing and the latest fashions.

Which ever style or type of Indian gold jewellery one prefers, it is evident they all have their own characteristic beauty and all deserve to be admired as such.